Published in:
01-09-2017 | Surgical Care for the Geriatric Patient (F Luchette and R Gonzalez, Section Editors)
Thoracic Surgery in Older Patients
Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports | Issue 3/2017
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Purpose of Review
The purpose of the review is to describe recent findings concerning the thoracic surgical management of elderly patients.
Recent Findings
The population of the USA is aging and the “baby boomer” generation members are now elderly. Pulmonary function declines, leading to an increase in the risk of a postoperative pulmonary complication. The cardiovascular system stiffens, making it more difficult for elderly patients to tolerate fluid shifts. Particular attention should be paid to nutrition, support systems, and frailty in the elderly. Outcomes are generally worse in the elderly. End-of-life discussions are important for these patients. Surgeons need to do a better job of initiating these discussions.
Summary
Elderly patients are becoming increasingly common for thoracic surgeons. They have specific physiologic changes that can alter the postoperative course thus require careful consideration. Outcomes are not as good for this group of patients making careful discussions about preoperative and postoperative issues important.